Growing tomato plants is easier than many people think. It can be very rewarding and is the best way for you to get fresh organic tomatoes.
There are many kinds to choose from with over 7,500 different varieties. Some people like the smaller sizes such as cherry tomatoes. For those that want them for salads or sauces Beefsteak or Early Girl tomatoes may be a better choice. No matter which type you choose you will have plenty at harvest time because they are easy to grow.
A major requirement for outdoor tomatoes is warm weather. During the day, they like temperatures between 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and 60 degrees or above in the evening. They do not do like frost. This means that, in most locations, the end of May is the perfect time to plant tomatoes.
In areas with short growing seasons, some people use portable
greenhouses. Green houses are a great way to harden your plants. Hardening off means gradually getting the seedlings used to the outdoor weather, giving you healthier plants.
Because their roots grow out under the soil, you don't want to plant them to close together. Keeping them at a distance will also cut down on the amount of disease and parasites transferring between them. A good distance for most type is between 12 and 36 inches. Another advantage here is the leaves won't overshadow them. If you are growing larger tomatoes, you might want to use a cage or trellis so the vines have support, and the fruit can be kept off the ground. Tomatoes that remain on the ground can rot, and you will have a smaller harvest.
You need to water your tomato plants regularly and put them where they are going to get 6 to 8 hours of sun every day. You also want to plant them in soil that is most and aerated. If you have branches that are not producing blossoms or fruit, it is a good idea to trim them. Some leaves that are overshadowing the fruit may also be trimmed, so the plants get more sunlight. Just don't trim to many because the leaves are responsible for the sugar that affects the flavor of the tomatoes. Removing the suckers that grow between the branches is also good for the plants. This will give you healthier plants and the energy taken to grow suckers is now used for a better crop.
Even inexperienced gardeners will find tomatoes plants are easy to grow, and it is very rewarding. Tomatoes from your own garden just seem to taste better, and you won't want to buy them again from a grocery store.
